Featured resources

Two-story white house in winter with snowy lawn and trees.

6-minute read

What is assessed value and how is it determined?

Learn what assessed value means, how it's calculated, and how it affects property taxes. Know the differences between assessed, appraised, and market values.

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Image indicating a worried couple possibly by taxes or some other information written on the paper.

7-minute read

What does mortgage delinquency mean?

Mortgage delinquency means that a borrower’s payment is at least 30 days overdue. Understand how late payments affect your credit and your financial futur...

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Women in office setting looking at documents together.

5-minute read

What is a warranty deed?

When you buy a home, you want to be sure that no one but you and your lender hold claim to the property. Find out how a warranty deed protects you.

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A couple discussing terms and condition possible for mortgage or related to real estate with an agent.

4-minute read

What a forbearance agreement means for you

A forbearance agreement allows borrowers to temporarily suspend mortgage payments during unexpected financial hardship. Learn if it’s the right option for...

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A woman and child sitting on a couch, engrossed in a laptop.

6-minute read

What is a floating interest rate?

A floating interest rate fluctuates over your loan’s term, changing your mortgage payment amount. Read on to learn about floating rates and how they wo...

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Family Moving Into New House

9-minute read

What does it mean to lease a house?

Renting a house is different from renting an apartment. If you aren’t ready to buy, here’s what you should know before leasing a house.

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An image highlighting a kitchen mosaic tile design.

8-minute read

Mortgage insurance: Your quick guide to different types and cost

Mortgage insurance protects lenders against default on home loans. Learn about the different types of mortgage insurance, typical costs, and ways to avoid this ...

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An upscale kitchen with a white island bar and wall shelving, potentially depicting interior design or real estate features.

4-minute read

Understanding appraisal vs. assessment

If you're preparing to buy a home, it's important to understand the difference between an appraisal and an assessment. Read on to learn how they compare.

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A woman looking at mail, potentially in a home or personal finance context.

5-minute read

Regulation Z, or the Truth in Lending Act (TILA): Explained

Regulation Z, or the Truth in Lending Act, requires lenders to disclose key loan details like terms, interest rates, and annual percentage rates (APRs).

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A woman using her personal computer with a satisfactory and a confident look on her face.

6-minute read

Liens and encumbrances: What to know

Liens and encumbrances both relate to legal claims against properties. Learn how they can affect buying, owning, and selling your house.

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A blonde woman writing notes while on the phone, potentially related to real estate or work-related tasks.

5-minute read

Mortgagee clause: Definition and how it works

A mortgagee clause protects the lender if a mortgaged property is damaged. Learn the components of a mortgagee clause and how their protections work.

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Young man filling out paperwork, possibly for mortgage prequalifiastion.

5-minute read

Mortgage prequalification: What is it and how does it work?

Mortgage prequalification gives you an idea of how much house you can afford. Learn more about the loan prequalification process here.

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Young couple sitting on couch in sunny living room reading over their mortgage preapproval paperwork.

9-minute read

How to get a mortgage preapproval

Mortgage preapproval is an important step in your home-buying journey that helps you understand your borrowing ability. Find out what the process involves.

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Two girls smiling and laughing on a bed.

7-minute read

Prepayment penalty: What it is and how to avoid it

A prepayment penalty is a fee some lenders charge when you pay all or part of your loan off early. Find out what triggers the fee and how to avoid it.

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Hands calculating, potentially symbolizing financial calculations or planning related to real estate or mortgage.

5-minute read

Amortization: What is it and how does it work?

Amortization is the gradual, scheduled repayment of a loan over time. Learn here why it’s important to know how amortization works.

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A man carefully reviewing documents related to real estate or financial matters.

6-minute read

How much does title insurance cost? Estimates, requirements, and savings tips

How much does title insurance cost? It varies, but it’s generally 0.5% – 1% of the home's sale price. Learn more about the cost of title insurance.

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A luxury kitchen with a marble slab backsplash and modern appliances.

6-minute read

What are lender credits used for when buying a house?

Lender credits let you roll your closing costs into your loan for a higher interest rate. Learn about lender credits and if they could be helpful to you.

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Young couple reviewing documents with a real estate agent.

8-minute read

What is a mortgage? Loan basics for beginners

A mortgage is a loan that’s used to buy real estate. Learn more about how a mortgage works,...

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